• Pivac set to give a Test debut for Saracens centre Nick Tompkins• Johnny McNicholl comes into side to take North’s place on wing
George North will line up at outside centre in Wales’ Six Nations opener against
Italy, with the uncapped Johnny McNicholl coming into the side to take his place on the wing.
New Wales head coach Wayne Pivac’s looks set to give a Test debut for Saracens centre Nick Tompkins who has been named on the bench. Tompkins, who qualifies for Wales through his Wrexham-born grandmother, will provide midfield cover for Hadleigh Parkes and North with Wales struggling with injuries in that area. It will be North’s fifth start at centre in his 92nd Test.